Beyonce asks the big questions in HBO documentary trailer

By Mikael Wood

Jan. 15, 2013 6 AM PT

“How much do I reveal about myself?”

“How do I stay current?”

“How do I stay soulful?”

These are some of the issues Beyoncé has been grappling with of late, if the trailer for her upcoming HBO documentary is any indication.

Scheduled to premiere on the premium-cable network Feb. 16, “Life Is But a Dream” appears to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the singer’s personal and professional life, with rehearsal footage and scenes of airport-paparazzi madness intercut with harsh webcam close-ups and an oh-so-precious ultrasound image. (Watch the trailer below.)

“People see celebrities, and they have money and fame,” she says at one point. “But I’m a human being: I cry, I get scared, I get nervous just like everyone else.”

The film, which Beyoncé directed, comes at an exceptionally busy time for the star, who last week reunited with her Destiny’s Child bandmates for their first new single in nearly a decade. A sweet 1990s-style throwback produced by Pharrell, “Nuclear” will feature on the trio’s “Love Songs” compilation, due out Jan. 29.

Next week Beyoncé will sing the national anthem at President Obama’s second inauguration, followed closely by her headlining performance at the Super Bowl halftime show Feb. 3.

How much do you think she needs a breather right now?